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Pybus: Franchise makes WI players coachable

Director of cricket at the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB), Richard Pybus says that the new system for regional cricket proposed by him will make regional cricketers coachable.
Pybus, who a couple months ago took over the post of director of cricket, had a 20-point plan for West Indies cricket development and all was adopted by the WICB. The only one which caused some concerns was the franchise system for regional First Class and Super 50 cricket.

According to Pybus: “They needed some clarification on some of the points within that proposal and in the end, they bought into it.” Under this franchise system, which follows the Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament, each territory will be able to choose 10 players to put on one-year retainers. They would then be able to bring in five other players from around the region into their squad. The thinking behind this, is to allow for stronger teams spread across the region and this is expected to lead to better quality cricket. Recently there has been a major shake up in West Indies cricket with a new selection panel, as well as a new coach coming into the job soon. All these changes are in a bid to move the team from the depths of eight in the ranking in both Tests and ODIs, to the top off the ladder.

Asked whether a new coach would be able to make a difference to the West Indies players, Pybus said: “Everything has to work hand in hand in order for us to climb back to the top. Some have said that our players are not coachable, I am off a different view. With the franchise system the competition will be keen for places at the territorial level and this would lead to guys working harder at their game and taking a serious look as far as coaching is concerned. “Everyone who is retained will have to report to someone and if they don't keep their part of the bargain, then they can miss out. So this new system is supposed to help us in this regard.”

The former Pakistan and Bangladesh coach did not give any hints as to who will replace Ottis Gibson as regional head coach. Gibson and the WICB parted ways after four years last week. There has been a lot of speculation as to who will become coach and there has been a number of names making the rounds including the South African Mickey Arthur, Trinidadian Phil Simmons and the former T&T-born Indian International Robin Singh. “We have been in contact with prospective candidates over the last few days but nothing has been finalised in terms of giving anyone the position. I would love someone who has a knowledge of the culture of the different countries in the Caribbean but you still cannot rule out a coach from outside the region.
“We are interested in getting the best coach for the West Indies in order to take us back to the top.”